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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Tolerance is the Only Way

A new fashion event in SL is combining beauty, creativity and activism to combat the harmful effects of homophobia.

Tolerance is the Only Way is a fashion fair in support of COGAM, the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender & Bisexual Collective of Madrid. In its own words, COGAM seeks to:

Defend the Human Rights specified in the United
Nations Charter, especially those that affect lesbian, gay, transgender
and bisexual people, their human dignity, their freedom to be
themselves, their quest for social equality, the right to live free from
discrimination, and so on.

Work to make society more inclusive and
respectful, by promoting conditions that will let people truly benefit
from freedom and equality, both as individuals and as members of their
respective segments of society.

Promote full legal and social equality for all
people, regardless of one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or
emotional/sexual relationships with another consenting person or
persons.

Work to eradicate homophobic and transphobic behaviors.

Work to eradicate discrimination against those
of us living with HIV, and promote the right of all HIV-positive people
to have free public medical care, psychological services, and social
services.

Many of SL's major designers have produced dedicated designs in support of this worthy organizaiton, which are on display at a large, two-storey build on the Cash Island 4 sim.

The two floors of designer goods include such well-known names as Champagne, Gizza, Tres Beau, SF Designs, Pekas, and Egoisme, along with dozens of others. Like most fashion events, the designs are largely geared towards women, with elaborate gowns, fanciful makeups, and glittering jewellery dominating the vendors. The items dedicated to men may be fewer in number, but no less in quality.

I picked up the handsome Bruno suit from SF Designs while I was there and couldn't wait to get home to try it on. Don't let my crummy photo deter you, this is a sharp suit!

The Tolerance is the Only Way event culminates in a series of fashion shows to be held October 27 to Novemeber 3. For more information, visit the Tolerance is the Only Way blog and visit the fair at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cash%20Island%204/49/164/23